ALTON — Edwardsville/Collinsville-based Curtain’s Up Theater Company and Alton Little Theater joined together to pay tribute to late playwright Neil Simon, just days since his passing.

“This past Sunday, Curtain’s Up Theater Company, along with people all over the world, mourned the loss of one of America’s finest playwrights,” a Curtain’s Up Theater Co. member stated in a news release.

Simon, who died Aug. 26, is considered a comedic genius by his industry and fans. He gave laughter to millions through his movies and work for television, including “The Odd Couple,” “The Goodbye Girl,” “Brighton Beach Memoirs” and “California Suite,” to name just a few.

Simon also tackled drama with aplomb, winning the 1991 Pulitzer Prize in Drama for “Lost in Yonkers.” The award is designated for a distinguished play by an American author, preferably original in its source and dealing with American life.

“God’s Favorite,” produced on Broadway in 1974, is Simon’s play loosely based on the biblical Book of Job. The story depicts a (rare) devout multi-millionaire, whose faith is tested. One night a messenger from God arrives, and, as in the biblical story, goes through all manner of temptations to get him to renounce God. When he refuses, he is visited by all the afflictions imaginable. He encounters every malady and yet stands firm in the midst of collapsing real estate around him. “God’s Favorite” is often described as Simon’s most imaginative play. It was a big hit at Alton Little Theater 20 years ago and the story begs for revival, Alton Little Theater’s Lee Cox said.

Alton Little Theater, established in 1934, is a nonprofit community theater located in Alton, traditionally producing five shows a year from September to May.

Curtain’s Up Theater Co. is a community theater company that performs in Madison County area, primarily in Collinsville and Edwardsville. It also is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a variety of quality theatrical experiences to the community.